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Left and belowFischer won a record four Olympic gold medals in the K4 500m event‘THE ATTENTION ATHLETES RECEIVE AT THE GAMES IS A DIFFERENT THING. IT IS THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE’ BIRGIT FISCHERMost likely they weren’t expecting me either. I had had a three-year break. It was a monumental race. The Hungarians were already so far ahead, but at a certain point in the race something shifted – we still had the belief that we could win it. We transmitted this to each other. We gave and felt that signal. It was unbelievable. I had said numerous times before the race, “I came to Athens to win”, and I had tried to convey this to [my team-mates]. I always say, “It’s only over at the finish line. It doesn’t matter how far back you are”. So much can still happen; the opponent could capsize; their oars could break. It’s only over at the finish line. Until then, you have got to fight.LIFE AFTER SPORTSport in general has had a big impact on my life. Even today it’s hugely important, as I run my own canoe and fitness school where I often work with young, talented athletes. But in the past I never thought of myself as a professional athlete as I never made any money from competing. I’ve always worked alongside the sport. I’ve had my school for years, so [retirement] didn’t feel that different, except for the fact that I wasn’t rowing along regatta courses. It really wasn’t a problem for me to segue from sporting life to “normal life”.FAMILY SUPPORTKayaking is a family sport for me. My grandparents rowed, my parents rowed, all my siblings are rowers, my brother is a multiple world champion, and my niece is an Olympic champion. It’s a family tradition. The entire greater family is behind it, and knows what it means. It was part of family life, but that’s not to say my parents were always there, standing on the sidelines, being “sports parents”. They did what they needed to so that I could train well and in peace. In particular, they were very supportive after my children were born, as I needed help with the kids when I had to go to competitions or had to go to training camps. I think parents these days have to do way more driving, even on a club level, to get their young athletes to training, competitions and things like that. MY ADVICE TO ATHLETES I think it’s important for young athletes to really be in touch with themselves, so that they know exactly what they want to achieve and that they focus on that. I think you have to be able to say out loud: “I want to win”. It’s not about, “I’d like to win”, or, “Maybe they might let me take part”. It needs to be cemented in your mind. Otherwise you’ll make it hard for yourself. ■OLYMPIC REVIEW 75MY GAMES